Map description is one of the most frequently tested tasks in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic. Whether you are describing changes over time or comparing different locations, mastering map description is essential for a high band score. Today, I’ll take you through a review of maps from IELTS authentic practice tests, helping you gain valuable insights into the two common types of map description. By understanding these approaches, you’ll be able to write more efficiently and concisely for this task.
Samples In Authentic Practice Tests
From reviewing IELTS authentic practice maps, you’ll typically encounter two main types:
Type 1: Same Location at Different Times
- These maps show the same place at different points in time, usually to highlight developments or changes over years or decades.
- Common Themes: Urban development, infrastructure changes, and shifts in land use.
- IELTS 9 Test 1 Task 1: an island, before and after the construction
- IELTS 13 Test 4 Task 1: a university’s sports centre now and after redevelopment
- IELTS 14 Test 4 Task 1: a public park opened in 1920 and the same park today
- IELTS 16 Test 3 Task 1: an airport now and after redevelopment next year
- IELTS 19 Test 2 Task 1: a harbour in 2000 and today
Type 2: Different Locations at the Same Time
- These maps compare different locations at the same point in time, focusing on highlighting differences in features, layout, or purpose.
- Common Themes: comparisons of rural and urban areas, selection of sites for construction, comparison of facilities or access to transport in neighboring towns or locations or differences in town layouts or industrial areas.
Step-by-Step Approach
Introduction
- Briefly mention what the maps show in terms of time periods.
- Example: “The maps illustrate the changes in an urban area between 2000 and 2020.”
Overview
- Identify and summarize major changes or trends between the two time frames.
- Example: “Overall, the area has transformed from a predominantly rural landscape into a more urbanized space with new residential and commercial developments.”
Body Paragraph 1
- Focus on the key changes in one section of the map.
- Discuss what has been added, removed, or modified.
- Example: “In the northern part of the town, the farmland was replaced by a shopping mall, and new roads were constructed to connect the residential areas.”
Body Paragraph 2
- Discuss changes in another section or focus on different aspects of the map.
- Example: “To the south, the park was expanded, and a railway station was built, improving transportation.”
Key Language
- Tenses: Use the past tense for previous changes and the future tense if referring to future developments.
- “A new highway was built in the east.”
- “The industrial area will be replaced by apartments.”
- Passive Voice: It helps to emphasize the change rather than the doer.
- “The old factory was demolished and replaced by a park.”
- Comparative Phrases:
- “In contrast to the past…”
- “Compared to the year 2000…”
Focus
- Prioritize major transformations like new constructions, demolitions, or expansions.
- Highlight changes in usage (e.g., farmland to residential area).
Introduction
- Mention that the maps compare two or more sites at a particular point in time.
- Example: “The maps compare two different coastal towns as they appeared in 2020.”
Overview
- Summarize the main differences between the sites.
- Example: “Overall, Town A is more developed with modern facilities, while Town B remains largely undeveloped and rural.”
Body Paragraph 1
- Focus on Site 1 (or the first location).
- Describe the key features and characteristics of the first site.
- Example: “Town A has several high-rise buildings, a shopping district, and a well-developed road network.”
Body Paragraph 2
- Compare with Site 2 (or the second location).
- Highlight the major differences in the second location.
- Example: “In contrast, Town B has maintained its natural landscape with large forested areas and a small residential neighborhood.”
Key Language
- Comparison Phrases:
- “Unlike Town A, Town B…”
- “Whereas Town A has a well-developed infrastructure, Town B remains largely untouched.”
- Present Tense: Since both sites are being compared in the same time frame.
- “Town A has a modern shopping center, but Town B remains rural.”
- Descriptive Vocabulary: To clearly differentiate between the sites.
- “Developed,” “rural,” “industrial,” “urbanized,” “undeveloped.”
Focus
- Compare the size, facilities, infrastructure, or land use.
- Highlight key contrasts such as levels of development, transportation, or residential patterns.
Final Tips
- Focus on Major Changes or Differences: Don’t get bogged down by minor details; focus on what stands out.
- Group Changes: If there are similar changes in different parts of the map, mention them together to save time and keep your writing concise.
- Use Simple, Clear Language: Make sure your sentences are direct and focused on the most important points.
By following these strategies, you’ll be able to handle both types of map comparisons effectively and write concisely in a short period.
